NBA Trade Deadline: Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors-

This team is perhaps one of the most difficult to figure out going in to the trade deadline.  Albeit, they are young and have been plagued by injuries, but its beginning to look like this team needs some much needed changes to “Nellie-ball.”  With such a young roster, at the pace that the system is conducted, it is astonishing to see that minutes are so unevenly distributed.  While the team’s best player Monta Ellis, plays the most minutes per game in the league (over 42 a night), its other potential star Anthony Randolph plays just over 22 minutes per game.  Ellis, Corey Maggette and Andris Biedrins all play effective minutes but each make more than they are worth  (each over 9 million), and could be dealt depending on the direction of the team. Right now, this team doesn’t look like its going in any direction, other than standing pat.

Los Angeles Clippers-

After this year’s draft, things were starting to look up for the old Clippers. They secured the #1 pick Blake Griffin and hoped that with some luck, they could make a run at the playoffs. However, luck is never nice to the Clips.  Griffin injured his knee on a dunk in the last preseason game, and was expected to miss 3 months. However, progress was not made and 3 months became surgery effectively ending his rookie season before it ended.  The one valuable piece they do have is Marcus Camby.  He is a strong veteran defender that can play both Center and Power Forward.  A team that should seek him is the Blazers, who have a depleted frontline, would like an expiring contract, and who could use a mentor for Greg Oden and LaMarcus Adridge.  However, if the Clips remain unconvinced of offers, they can wait until his contract expires after this season and free up cap to add a free agent.

Los Angeles Lakers-

This is perhaps the deepest team the NBA has ever seen.  However, there have been concerns about its cohesiveness as a unit.  While this is a remarkable team from a talent perspective, it is scary that they could potentially add another piece to the puzzle.  Adam Morrison’s contract expires at the end of the season, and one time NBA championship hero Sasha Vujacic is up at the end of the following season.  The defending champs could make a run at disappointing guard Jose Calderon or Devin Harris should the Nets decide to shop him.  A rumor about a potential Bosh- Bynum swap is intriguing, but it could be overkill in the addition of skilled bigs they already have. Bynum can provide a certain level of toughness that a frontline of Odom, Bosh, and Pau do not offer.

Phoenix Suns-

The Phoenix Suns are always a playoff team, however, they have never been able to perform to their abilities in the playoffs. The team will go the direction of Amare Stoudemire. If the big man stays they can continue to add pieces to make the team a contender. If he leaves, and is not replaced by another star post player, then Steve Nash and Grant Hill begin to show their age and Jason Richardson’s shot selection gets more questionable.  The Suns don’t have many pieces to move, but if they had one it’d be Leahindro Barbosa. The small quick shooting guard could be a good piece for a budding team to add, the Suns can also move some cash from Ben Wallace’s contract. The Wizards would be intriguing with Mike Miller coming off the books, and Caron Butler potentially available. If the Suns decide to trade Amare, which is looking increasingly likely, I might consider entering a trade to try to bring in Chris Bosh.  If not, the Suns need an athletic power forward.  Also, Channing Frye has been a great addition in the Suns system.

Sacramento Kings-

Tyreke Evans may be the Rookie of the Year Candidate the Kings thought they had when they took him over Ricky Rubio, Brandon Jennings and others.  However, the Kings still have some work needed to add to their roster. Jason Thompson has proven to be durable and an effective young post. The question is can the Kings effectively team Evans with Kevin Martin.  Some including myself, are having doubts about it, leading to a thought that Kev-Mart could be traded.  The Kings might be best of waiting on this trade as they can wait and watch this unfold and make a move this summer.  The Kings have some good veteran trade pieces in defensive stalwarts Ime Udoka and Kenny Thomas, in addition to Shareef Abdur-Rahim’s contract.  With these pieces, the Kings would be wise to acquire draft picks to add to the nucleus or a young talent that needs a change of scenery and playing time. (Nate Robinson, Delonte West, Adam Morrison, Joe Alexander)